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Applied Digital Appoints Co-Founder Jason Zhang as President

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DALLAS, Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Digital (NASDAQ: APLD), a designer, builder, and o...

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AI Summary

Jason Zhang appointed President, vital for company strategy. Zhang’s leadership expected to guide AI infrastructure growth. Company awarded Best Data Center in Americas 2025. Focus on sustainable data centers for AI and blockchain. Strong foundation enhances potential for future economic opportunities.

Sentiment Rationale

Leadership change to a founder boosts investor confidence and company stability. Historical example: effective leadership transitions often lead to positive stock performance.

Trading Thesis

Zhang's strategic vision will impact growth over time, similar to tech leaders like Satya Nadella at Microsoft.

Market-Moving

  • Jason Zhang appointed President, vital for company strategy.
  • Zhang’s leadership expected to guide AI infrastructure growth.
  • Company awarded Best Data Center in Americas 2025.

Key Facts

  • Jason Zhang appointed President, vital for company strategy.
  • Zhang’s leadership expected to guide AI infrastructure growth.
  • Company awarded Best Data Center in Americas 2025.
  • Focus on sustainable data centers for AI and blockchain.
  • Strong foundation enhances potential for future economic opportunities.

Companies Mentioned

  • AMZN (AMZN)
  • MSFT (MSFT)
  • NVDA (NVDA)
  • IBM (IBM)
  • ORCL (ORCL)

Corporate Developments

Leadership transitions of key executives often correlate with stock performance changes; APLD's strategic growth focus is pertinent.

Applied Digital Appoints Jason Zhang as President

Dallas, January 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Digital (NASDAQ: APLD), a leader in high-performance and sustainable data center operations for artificial intelligence, cloud, networking, and blockchain applications, has announced the promotion of Jason Zhang to President. Previously serving as the Chief Strategy Officer, Zhang’s deep involvement in the company’s growth and strategic vision positions him to guide Applied Digital as it enters a new phase of expansion in AI infrastructure.

Leadership Transition Marks Strategic Growth

Jason Zhang, co-founder of Applied Digital, is set to play a critical role in the organization’s ongoing evolution. This appointment signifies Zhang's long-standing influence on the company’s strategic direction and future growth initiatives. As President, he will work closely with Wes Cummins, who continues as Chairman and CEO, to steer the company’s strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing its offerings in high-performance AI infrastructure.

Wes Cummins expressed his enthusiasm regarding the appointment, stating, “We are extremely pleased to appoint Jason as President. Since the company’s inception, Jason has been an invaluable leader within Applied Digital, demonstrating exceptional strategic acumen and an unwavering commitment to carrying out our mission while charting a rapid period of growth. I look forward to our continued collaboration as we scale the business and advance the next phase of Applied Digital’s growth.”

Jason Zhang’s Background and Vision

Prior to his recent role as Chief Strategy Officer, which he assumed in August 2025, Zhang founded Valuefinder, an investment and advisory firm that specializes in technology companies. His extensive experience includes significant tenures at Sequoia Capital and MSD Capital, focusing on investments in AI, blockchain, digital infrastructure, and enterprise software.

Reflecting on his new role, Zhang commented, “I am honored to take on the role of President at such a momentous and exciting time for the company. I look forward to continuing to partner closely with Wes and the entire team to build on our strong foundation and leadership position as we scale high-performance AI infrastructure with focus and discipline.”

About Applied Digital (NASDAQ: APLD)

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Dallas, TX, Applied Digital has garnered recognition as the Best Data Center in the Americas for 2025 by Datacloud. The company specializes in designing, building, and operating data centers that cater to AI, cloud, and blockchain workloads. Utilizing innovative waterless cooling technology and rapid deployment capabilities, Applied Digital is committed to delivering secure and scalable computing resources efficiently.

The company's unique Polaris Forge AI Factory model also aims to create economic opportunities in underserved communities, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and ethical growth.

Looking Ahead: Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement includes “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, addressing future operational and financial performance, product development, market positioning, business strategy, and financing plans. These forward-looking statements use terms like “will,” “continue,” and “expect,” and are subject to risks that could result in actual outcomes differing materially from those anticipated.

Potential risks include but are not limited to:

  • Ability to complete construction of data center campuses as planned
  • Customer acquisition lead times and leasing decisions
  • Changes in AI infrastructure needs
  • Access to capital and financing
  • Market demand fluctuations

Interested parties can find additional information about these risks in Applied Digital’s most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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